kinda-sorta
In a way
Kinda-sorta combines two hedging words to express qualified agreement or approximate truth—something that's partly but not entirely the case.
The doubling emphasizes uncertainty or reluctance to commit: Are you two dating? Kinda-sorta.
It can acknowledge something while downplaying it: I kinda-sorta promised I'd be there.
The hyphenated form appears in writing; in speech, the words often run together.
To a moderate extent
almost · nearly · borderline · in-between · partway · middling · moderate · so-so
Soft and unclear
- hazyUnclear, indistinct
- nebulousUnclear and formless
- blurryIndistinct, lacking definition
- impreciseLacking exactness or accuracy
inexact · unclear · murky · indistinct · ambiguous · sketchy · loose · approximate
Lacking confidence or certainty
- uncertainNot firmly known
- tentativeUncertain and provisional
- waveringShowing unsteady resolve
- iffyUncertain, questionable
doubtful · indecisive · hesitant · ambivalent · undecided · half-hearted · lukewarm · tepid
somewhat
To a moderate extent
semi · almost · nearly · borderline · in-between · partway · middling · moderate · so-so · more-or-less
fuzzy
Soft and unclear
imprecise · inexact · unclear · murky · indistinct · ambiguous · sketchy · loose · approximate · ballpark
unsure
Lacking confidence or certainty
iffy · doubtful · indecisive · hesitant · ambivalent · undecided · half-hearted · lukewarm · tepid · noncommittal
kinda-sortadefinitely
With complete certainty
absolutely · certainly · positively · unequivocally · unambiguously
kinda-sortaexactly
With total accuracy
precisely · specifically · explicitly · literally · to the letter
kindly, kindness, unkind, kinda, kindred, sorta, kindest, kinder, unkindness